Blood sugar checks, medical consultations and advice on diet and physical activity, all without an appointment. On Monday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to noon, the outpatient clinics of the Diabetology Unit at the State Hospital, on the third floor of staircase A, will host an Open Day promoted by the ISS (Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale, San Marino’s social security institute) to mark World Diabetes Day.
The morning will focus on assessing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition to blood sugar and waist circumference measurements, visitors will be able to fill out a questionnaire and speak directly with medical staff. Dietitians and physiotherapists will also be on hand to offer practical guidance on daily habits.
In San Marino, diabetes affects around 8% of the adult population and 9.8% of those over 35. The ISS currently follows 2,208 patients: 1,263 through the Diabetology Unit and 945 under integrated management with community health services.
In the first nine months of 2026, the service carried out 3,883 diabetology and endocrinology visits, along with 2,870 telemedicine consultations.
Tatiana Mancini, head of the Diabetology Unit (UOS Diabetologia), points out that type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of the cases followed by the service and can develop gradually, often with few noticeable symptoms for a long time.
“Assessing blood sugar levels, waist circumference and the information gathered through the questionnaire together helps us identify who might benefit from further testing,” she said.
The initiative is part of the 2026 campaign “Early action on diabetes”, which highlights the importance of early recognition of the disease, risk reduction and access to care.
A first public event is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., at the Atlante Shopping Centre. The association Vivere Meglio will set up an information desk, where volunteers and healthcare staff will answer questions about the condition and its prevention.
The Secretary of State for Health, Massimo Andrea Ugolini, stressed the role such initiatives play in raising awareness of risk factors and encouraging dialogue with healthcare professionals, helping identify cases that may need further investigation.
For Alessandro Bertolini, director of Health and Social Care Activities at the ISS, specialist expertise must go hand in hand with continuity of care: “When further investigation is needed, close coordination between the Diabetology Unit and local health services is essential to ensure continuity of patient care.”
